If you’re among the thousands of people who will be moving in winter, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for the challenges that come with it. This can be a tricky time to move because of the cold weather, but with a little advance planning, you can make your relocation go smoothly.
Moving in the winter comes with its own set of challenges. The cold weather and slippery conditions can make the process more difficult and dangerous, even when you have an overseas shipping company by your side. But with careful planning, you can minimize the risks and make your move overseas go smoothly. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to make your move as safe and easy as possible. So whether you’re braving the cold to move to a new home or escaping it by moving abroad, it’s important to keep everything in check.
You Should Be Flexible When Moving in Winter
If you are planning to move to another country during the cold season, it’s not only vital to prepare different documents needed to travel abroad. Nor is it as simple as tossing a few things into a bag and hopping on the first plane. Relocating to another country for love, work, or any other reason takes more than that, especially when it’s cold and unpredictable.
That’s why it is important to be prepared for any unexpected changes or delays that may arise. It is also essential to be flexible in terms of your plans and expectations. Cold season weather can create a variety of challenges, from icy roads and poor visibility to hazardous driving conditions. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead and have an alternate route or plan in place in case of bad weather.
Additionally, you should take into consideration the cost of relocating during wintertime, especially if you’re relocating abroad alone. Due to the cold temperatures and snow-related issues, the process may be more expensive compared to other times of the year. For example, you may need to factor in the cost of winter tires, snow chains, and other additional driving gear for transport. It is also important to consider potential changes in your budget if you are about to move to a colder country from the US. Heating bills tend to be higher at this time of year, so it is wise to factor in any additional costs that may occur due to increased energy use.
Start Packing in Advance
When relocating during the cold months, there are some important factors to keep in mind in order to ensure a smooth transition into your new home. From properly packing your belongings to avoid damage caused by colder temperatures to making sure you have everything you need to stay warm and comfortable in your new home – following these simple relocation tips will help make your cold-season move go off without a hitch.
Protect Your Belongings Properly to Avoid Damage
When temperatures drop, things can freeze and break more easily, and you’ll end up buying everything new once you start living abroad. So when you’re packing up your belongings, be sure to wrap all of your fragile items securely in bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent things from breaking. For extra protection, you can put them in plastic storage bins with tight-fitting lids. Label all of the boxes containing fragile items clearly, so that you or your movers will know to handle them with care.
Leave Out the Winter Essentials in One Bag
When you’re living out of suitcases during a relocation to another country, the last thing you want to do is have to dig through all of your packed belongings to find your coats and scarf. To make things easier on yourself, pack a separate bag with all of the relocation essentials you’ll need for the first few days in your new home, so pack warm clothes, gloves, hats, and similar items. That way, you can just grab that one bag when you first arrive and not have to worry about unpacking everything right away. This is important, even when you’re relocating at the last minute.
Don't Forget the Snow Gear
If you’re relocating somewhere that gets a lot of snow, don’t forget to pack your snow shovels, ice melts, and other tools. You may also want to consider investing in storage service for any summertime gear (like bikes and lawn furniture) that you won’t be able to use while the weather is cold. That way, it will be ready and waiting for you when spring comes around again.
Plan Ahead for Your Pets
If you have pets who will be coming with you, make sure to do some research ahead of time about how to keep them safe and comfortable during the colder months. Relocating with pets overseas isn’t simple, so you should make sure you’ve organized all the important documents. If possible, try to schedule their vet appointments and groomings before the move so that they’re all up-to-date on their shots and looking their best. And if you’re moving internationally, be sure to get an updated ID tag for each pet that includes your new address and phone number.
What to Do If You’re Relocating With Kids
If you are planning to move internationally during the cold season with your kids, there are certain steps that you should take to prepare for your trip. First and foremost, make sure that all of the necessary paperwork is in order before traveling. This includes passports, visas, immunization forms, and other documents needed for entry into the destination country.
It is also important to purchase appropriate winter clothing for your children before your trip, as the weather may be much colder than what they are used to. Make sure to pack extra warm and waterproof garments, gloves, hats, and scarves in order to keep them comfortable during the cold months.
Ensure that you have all the necessary medical supplies on your hands, such as prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines. You may also want to check with your health insurance provider to make sure that you will be covered while abroad if needed. Ensure that your children’s school records and any other important documents are in order before departing. This includes birth certificates, immunization records, school transcripts, and more.
Finally, it is a good idea to research the local schools in your destination country ahead of time to ensure that any transition for your children will be as smooth as possible. Look into any language support services or extra-curricular activities available at the new school that may interest your kids.
Prepare Your Home
Preparing your home for relocation during the cold season can be tricky, but it’s an important part of making sure everything goes smoothly. Here are some winter moving tips to help you prepare your home before you move:
- Before you start figuring out what to pack, make sure that all windows and doors are properly sealed. Check for any drafts and make sure that your furnace is working properly and that all other heating systems are in good condition. You should also check to see if there are any frozen pipes that need to be thawed out before the move.
- It’s important to take precautions to protect your floors from getting wet or dirty. One way to do this is to use floor protection materials like cardboard or plastic sheeting. You can also use rugs or mats at entrances and exits to help keep moisture and dirt from getting tracked into your home.
- If you have appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines, make sure to unplug them and drain all the water from them before you move. You should also defrost and clean your refrigerator so that food particles don’t attract pests during the move.
- Before packing, check the weather forecast in both locations. Make sure to pack warm clothing to keep you comfortable during the move. Additionally, pack enough blankets and towels so you can stay warm during cold weather.
- Before leaving your home, make sure to clean it thoroughly, removing dust and cobwebs from hard-to-reach places like corners and ceiling fans. Vacuum carpets, mop floors, and don’t forget to clean your windows.
Clear the Driveway
When relocating during the cold months, it is important to ensure that your driveway is clear and safe for your movers. Snow and ice can create hazardous conditions that can cause slips, trips, and falls. To prevent any issues and keep your move running smoothly, take the time to clear the driveway before your movers arrive.
Start by shoveling away any snow or ice that has accumulated, and be sure to clear a path from the sidewalk all the way to your door. If there are icy patches on the ground, treat them with salt or sand for better traction. Make sure you clear off any outdoor furniture or other items that could obstruct your movers’ path. Finally, be sure to keep the area well-lit with floodlights or other lights so that your movers can easily see their way around in the dark.
Winter Wear Is Essential
You can experience cold weather on the relocation date even if you work with a full-service international moving company to transport your possessions. Dress warmly in layers so you can remove and reapply clothes as you move from the house to the automobile and from room to room. If the snow or cold increases, make sure you carry warm gloves, including a few extra pairs for layering. If snow or sleet is predicted for your relocation day, include some extra blankets and clothing in your first night package.
Take Good Care of Your Movers
It’s important to make your international movers feel welcome, especially during the colder months. After all, they are providing you with life-saving international moving services such as the packing service, so you don’t have to do it. That’s why you should ensure you have warm drinks like coffee and hot chocolate as well as snacks like cookies or chips available for them throughout the move. You could even offer a meal if you’re shipping overseas or if they’ll be helping you late into the night. It’s a nice gesture that will help them stay fueled and motivated to finish the job quickly and efficiently. And don’t forget, a thank you note or card goes a long way in showing your appreciation.
Showing kindness during this stressful experience could make all the difference in how smoothly everything goes. If you’re happy with the job your international movers did, it’s always a nice gesture to tip them for their hard work. A good rule of thumb is to tip them about 10-15% of the total cost of the move. This will show your appreciation and help to ensure they’ll continue to provide quality service in the future.
If you want to prepare some hot beverages to warm the body and soul of the whole overseas moving company crew, along with your family, watch the following video.
Wintertime Relocations Don’t Have to Be Daunting
If you’re preparing to live overseas, keep in mind that wintertime relocations don’t have to be daunting. With the right preparation and planning, this time of the year can actually be a great time for a successful relocation. By being mindful of the weather and taking extra precautions, like packing items with extra care, you can ensure that everything arrives safely at its new home.
Additionally, having a detailed inventory of all your items, using protective coverings to keep them safe from the elements, and getting help from professionals can make the process much easier. Wintertime relocations don’t have to be stressful because, with a bit of extra organization and careful planning, you can move efficiently no matter what time of year it is.
